Systems and methods for providing security services during power management mode

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for providing security services during a power management mode are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting with a mobile security system a wake event on a mobile device, providing from the mobile security system a wake signal, the providing being in response to the wake event to wake a mobile device from a power management mode, and managing with the mobile security system security services of the mobile device. Managing security services may comprise scanning a hard drive of the mobile devices for viruses and/or other malware. Managing security services may also comprise updating security applications or scanning the mobile device for unauthorized data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. nonprovisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/404,408 filed May 6, 2019, which is acontinuation of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.16/022,127 filed Jun. 28, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,404,722, which is acontinuation of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.15/599,352 filed May 18, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,084,799, which is acontinuation of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.15/371,164 filed Dec. 6, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,843,595, which is acontinuation of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.14/707,853 filed May 8, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,516,040, which is acontinuation of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.14/155,260 filed Jan. 14, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,106,683, which is acontinuation of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.12/535,650 filed Aug. 4, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,631,488, which claimspriority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/086,134,filed Aug. 4, 2008, all of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to computer security, and moreparticularly provides a system and method for providing data and devicesecurity between external and host devices.

BACKGROUND

The internet is an interconnection of millions of individual computernetworks owned by governments, universities, nonprofit groups, companiesand individuals. While the internet is a great source of valuableinformation and entertainment, the internet has also become a majorsource of system damaging and system fatal application code, such as“viruses,” “spyware,” “adware,” “worms,” “Trojan horses,” and othermalicious code.

To protect users, programmers design computer and computer-networksecurity systems for blocking malicious code from attacking bothindividual and network computers. On the most part, network securitysystems have been relatively successful. A computer that connects to theinternet from within an enterprise's network typically has two lines ofdefense. The first line of defense includes a network security system,which may be part of the network gateway, that includes firewalls,anti-virus, antispyware and content filtering. The second line ofdefense includes individual security software on individual machines,which is not typically as secure as the network security system and isthus more vulnerable to attacks. In combination, the first and secondlines of defense together provide pretty good security protection.However, when a device connects to the internet without the interveningnetwork security system, the device loses its first line of defense.Thus, mobile devices (e.g., laptops, desktops, PDAs such as RIM'sBlackberry, cell phones, any wireless device that connects to theinternet, etc.) when traveling outside the enterprise network are morevulnerable to attacks.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network system 100 of the prior art.Network system 100 includes a desktop 105 and a mobile device 110, eachcoupled to an enterprise's intranet 115. The intranet 115 is coupled viaa network security system 120 (which may be a part of the enterprise'sgateway) to the untrusted internet 130. Accordingly, the desktop 105 andmobile device 110 access the internet 130 via the network securitysystem 120. A security administrator 125 typically manages the networksecurity system 120 to assure that it includes the most current securityprotection and thus that the desktop 105 and mobile device 110 areprotected from malicious code. Demarcation 135 divides the trustedenterprise 140 and the untrusted public internet 130. Because thedesktop 105 and the mobile device 110 are connected to the internet 130via the network security system 120, both have two lines of defense(namely, the network security system 120 and the security softwareresident on the device itself) against malicious code from the internet130. Of course, although trusted, the intranet 115 can also be a sourceof malicious code.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example network system 200 of the prior art, whenthe mobile device 110 has traveled outside the trusted enterprise 140and reconnected to the untrusted internet 130. This could occur perhapswhen the user takes mobile device 110 on travel and connects to theinternet 130 at a cybercafé, at a hotel, or via any untrusted wired orwireless connection. Accordingly, as shown, the mobile device 110 is nolonger protected by the first line of defense (by the network securitysystem 120) and thus has increased its risk of receiving malicious code.Further, by physically bringing the mobile device 110 back into thetrusted enterprise 140 and reconnecting from within, the mobile device110 risks transferring any malicious code received to the intranet 115.

As the number of mobile devices and the number of attacks grow, mobilesecurity is becoming increasingly important. The problem was emphasizedin the recent Info-Security Conference in New York on Dec. 7-8, 2005.However, no complete solutions were presented.

Similarly, when a host device is connected to an external device such asa USB flash drive, iPod, external hard drive, etc., both devices arevulnerable to receipt of malicious code or transfer of private data.FIG. 11 illustrates an example prior art data exchange system 1100 thatincludes a host computer (host) 1105 and an external device 1110. Thehost 1105 includes an external device (ED) port 1115, such as a USBport, for receiving the external device 1110. The host 1105 alsoincludes ED drivers 1120 for performing enumeration and enablingcommunications between the external device 1110 and the host 1105. Theexternal device 1110 includes an ED plug, such as a USB plug, forcommunicating with the ED port 1115. Both of the host 1105 and externaldevice 1110 are vulnerable to receipt of malicious code or transfer ofprivate data.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method of providingsecurity to host and external devices.

Another disadvantage to existing security systems is that they require afully operational system and a significant load on CPU power. To reducethe impact of scanning and updating a system, users often leave theirPCs active overnight which consumes power. Further, when the PC is alaptop, the user cannot close the laptop and expect security functionsto be performed.

SUMMARY

Per one embodiment, the present invention provides a security devicecomprising an external device plug operative to communicatively couplewith a host; an external device port operative to communicatively couplewith an external device; a processor; and memory storing an operatingsystem, an external device driver operative to control communicationwith the external device, and a security engine operative to enforce asecurity policy on a data transfer request between the external deviceand the host. The security device may be operative with a driver on thehost. At least one of the external device plug and the external deviceport may follow a USB standard. At least one of the external device plugand the external device port may include a wireless connection. Thesecurity engine may protect against the transfer of at least one ofviruses, spyware and adware. The security engine may protect against theunauthorized transfer of private data.

Per one embodiment, the present invention provides a secure dataexchange system, comprising a security device including a first externaldevice plug, and a security engine operative to enforce a securitypolicy on data transfer requests received from the host; an externaldevice including a second external device plug; and a host including afirst external device port operative to communicatively couple with thefirst external device plug, a second external device port operative tocommunicatively couple with the second external device plug, and aredirect driver operative to transfer a data transfer request from thehost to the security device before executing the data transfer request.The external device may include a USB drive. The external device mayinclude one of a PDA or a cell phone. The host may include one of alaptop, desktop, PDA or cell phone. The host may launch the redirectdriver upon detecting connection of the secure device to the host.

Per one embodiment, the present invention may provide a methodcomprising communicatively coupling a security device to a host;communicatively coupling an external device to the security device;receiving by the security device a data transfer request from the host;and enforcing by the security device a security policy on the datatransfer request before allowing the data transfer request to beperformed. The communicatively coupling a security device to a host mayinclude using a wired or wireless connection. The communicativelycoupling an external device to the host may include using a wired orwireless connection. The data transfer request may include a request totransfer data from the host to the external device. The data transferrequest may include a request to transfer data from the external deviceto the host. The enforcing may include reviewing the data beingtransferred for at least one of viruses, spyware and adware. Theenforcing may include determining whether the data transfer requestincludes a request for private data. The enforcing may include requiringan additional security check before allowing the transfer of privatedata.

Per one embodiment, the present invention provides a method, comprisingcommunicatively coupling a security device to a host; communicativelycoupling an external device to the host; receiving by the host a datatransfer request; using a redirect driver on the host to redirect thedata transfer request to the security device; and enforcing by thesecurity device a security policy on the data transfer request beforeallowing the data transfer request to be performed. The communicativelycoupling a security device to a host may include using a wired orwireless connection. The communicatively coupling an external device tothe host may include using a wired or wireless connection. The datatransfer request may include a request to transfer data from the host tothe external device. The data transfer request may include a request totransfer data from the external device to the host. The enforcing mayinclude reviewing the data being transferred for at least one ofviruses, spyware and adware. The enforcing may include determiningwhether the data transfer request includes a request for private data.The enforcing may include requiring an additional security check beforeallowing the transfer of private data.

Systems and methods for providing security services during a powermanagement mode are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprisesdetecting with a mobile security system a wake event on a mobile device,providing from the mobile security system a wake signal, the providingbeing in response to the wake event to wake a mobile device from a powermanagement mode, and managing with the mobile security system securityservices of the mobile device. Managing security services may comprisescanning a hard drive of the mobile devices for viruses and/or othermalware. Managing security services may also comprise updating securityapplications or scanning the mobile device for unauthorized data. Thewake event may comprise the expiration of a predetermined period oftime, a specific time of day, or receiving data from over a network.

In some embodiments, a mobile security system comprises a connectionmechanism, and a security engine. The connection mechanism may beconfigured to connect to a data port of a mobile device and forcommunicating with the mobile device. The security engine may beconfigured to detect a wake event, provide a wake signal in response tothe wake event to wake a mobile device from a power management mode, andmanage security services of the mobile device.

An exemplary computer readable medium may store executable instructions.The instructions may be executable by a processor for performing amethod. The method may comprise detecting a wake event, providing a wakesignal in response to the wake event to wake a mobile device from apower management mode, and managing security services of the mobiledevice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art network system in a firststate.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a prior art network system in a secondstate.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a network system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating details of a computer system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5 and 5A are block diagrams illustrating details of the mobilesecurity system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating details of the mobile securitysystem in accordance with a Microsoft Window's embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating details of a smart policyupdating system in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating details of network securitymeasures relative to the OSI layers.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating details of the communicationtechnique for spreading security code to the mobile security systems.

FIGS. 10A-10C are block diagrams illustrating various architectures forconnecting a mobile device to a mobile security system, in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a prior art data exchangesystem.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a secure data exchange system,in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating details of a security device, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating details of a security system, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a secure data exchange system,in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of secure data exchangebetween a host and an external device, in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating details of a mobile securitysystem in an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a mobile security system in anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is block diagram of a mobile device an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for performing security functions on a mobiledevice in an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context ofa particular application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe embodiments may be possible to those skilled in the art, and thegeneric principles defined herein may be applied to these and otherembodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to belimited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles, features and teachings disclosed herein.

An embodiment of the present invention uses a small piece of hardwarethat connects to a mobile device and filters out attacks and maliciouscode. The piece of hardware may be referred to as a “mobile securitysystem” or “personal security appliance.” Using the mobile securitysystem, a mobile device can be protected by greater security andpossibly by the same level of security offered by its associatedcorporation/enterprise.

FIG. 3 illustrates a network system 300 in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention. Network system 300 includes a desktop 305, afirst mobile device 310 a, and a second mobile device 310 b. The firstmobile device 310 a is illustrated as within the enterprise network 340at this time and is coupled via a mobile security system 345 a to theenterprise's intranet 315. The desktop 305 and second mobile device 310b are also within the enterprise network 340 but in this embodiment arecoupled to the intranet 315 without an intervening mobile securitysystem 345 such as mobile security system 345 b. The intranet 315 iscoupled via a network security system 320 (which may be part of theenterprise's gateway) to the untrusted internet 330. Accordingly, thefirst mobile device 310 a, the second mobile device 310 b and thedesktop 305 access the untrusted internet 330 via the network securitysystem 320. Each may also be protected by a personal security systemresident thereon (not shown). A third mobile device 310 c is currentlyoutside the enterprise network 340 and is coupled via a mobile securitysystem 345 b to the untrusted internet 330. The third mobile device 310may be in use by an employee of the trusted enterprise 340 who iscurrently on travel. A security administrator 325 manages the mobilesecurity system 345 a, the mobile security system 345 b, and the networksecurity system 320 to assure that they include the most currentsecurity protection. One skilled in the art will recognize that the samesecurity administrator need not manage the various devices. Further, thesecurity administrator could be the user and need not be within thetrusted enterprise 340.

Demarcation 335 divides the trusted enterprise 340 and the untrustedpublicly accessible internet 330. Each of mobile device 310 a, 310 b and310 c may be referred to generically as mobile device 310, although theyneed not be identical. Each mobile security system 345 a and 345 b maybe referred to generically as mobile security system 345, although theyneed not be identical.

As shown, although the mobile device 310 c has traveled outside thetrusted enterprise 340, the mobile device 310 c connects to theuntrusted internet 330 via the mobile security system 345 b and thusretains two lines of defense (namely, the mobile security system 345 band the security software resident on the device itself). In thisembodiment, the mobile security system 345 effectively acts as a mobileinternet gateway on behalf of the mobile device 310 c. In an embodiment,the mobile security system 345 may be a device dedicated to networksecurity. In an embodiment, each mobile security system 345 may supportmultiple mobile devices 310, and possibly only registered mobile devices310, e.g., those belonging to enterprise 340.

Each mobile security system 345 (e.g., 345 a, 345 b) may be a miniatureserver, based on commercial hardware (with Intel's Xscale as the core),Linux OS and network services, and open-source firewall, IDS/IPS andanti-virus protection. The mobile security system 345 may be based on ahardened embedded Linux 2.6.

In this embodiment, because the security administrator 325 is capable ofremotely communicating with the mobile security system 345 b, IT canmonitor and/or update the security policies/data/engines implemented onthe mobile security system 345 b. The security administrator 325 cancentrally manage all enterprise devices, remotely or directly. Further,the security administrator 325 and mobile security systems 345 caninteract to automatically translate enterprise security policies intomobile security policies and configure mobile security systems 345accordingly. Because the mobile security system 345 may be generatedfrom the relevant security policies of the enterprise 340, the mobiledevice 310 c currently traveling may have the same level of protectionas the devices 305/310 within the trusted enterprise 340.

The mobile security system 345 may be designed as an add-on to existingsoftware security or to replace all security hardware and software on atraveling mobile device. These security applications will preferablyoperate on different OSI layers to provide maximum security andmalicious code detection, as shown in the example system illustrated inFIG. 8. Operating on the lower OSI layers and doing TCP/IP packetsanalysis only (by screening firewall or router packets) would miss virusand/or worm behavior. Also, many modern viruses use mobile codeimplemented on a “higher” level than the 7th OSI layer(Application—HTTP, FTP, etc.) and therefore cannot be interpreted at thepacket layer nor at the application layer. For example, applyinganti-virus analysis only at the session or transport layer on amalicious Java Script (that is included in an HTML page), trying tomatch the signature with packets and without understanding the contenttype (Java Script), will not detect the malicious nature of the JavaScript. To offer greater protection, the mobile security system 345 mayact as corporate class security appliance and engage different securityapplications based on the content type and the appropriate OSI layers,(or even a “higher” level if content is encapsulated in the applicationlayer). The mobile security system 345 may be configured to performcontent analysis at different OSI layers, e.g., from the packet level tothe application level. It will be appreciated that performing deepinspection at the application level is critical to detect maliciouscontent behavior and improve detection of viruses, worms, spyware,Trojan horses, etc. The following software packages may be implementedon the mobile security system 345:

Firewall and VPN—including stateful and stateless firewalls, NAT, packetfiltering and manipulation, DOS/DDOS, netfilter, isolate user mobiledevices from the internet and run VPN program on the device, etc.

Optional web accelerator and bandwidth/cache management based on Squid.

IDS/IPS—Intrusion detection and prevention system based on Snort. Snortis an open source network intrusion prevention and detection systemutilizing a rule-driven language, which combines the benefits ofsignature, protocol- and anomaly-based inspections.

Anti-virus and antispyware based on ClamAV; additional AV and ASengines, e.g., McAfee, Kaspersky, Pandamay, may be offered foradditional subscription fees.

Malicious Content Detection—on the fly heuristics that perform contentanalysis to detect malicious content before having signatures. This willbe based on a rule base and updated rules and will be content dependentscanning.

URL Categorization Filtering—based on a commercial engine, such asSurfcontrol, Smart Filters or Websense. May provide around 70 categoriesof URLs such as gambling, adult content, news, webmail, etc. The mobiledevice 345 may apply different security policies based on the URLcategory, e.g., higher restriction and heuristics for Gambling or Adultcontent web sites, etc.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating details of an example computersystem 400, of which each desktop 305, mobile device 310, networksecurity system 320, mobile security system 345, and securityadministrator 325 may be an instance. Computer system 400 includes aprocessor 405, such as an Intel Pentium® microprocessor or a MotorolaPower PC® microprocessor, coupled to a communications channel 410. Thecomputer system 400 further includes an input device 415 such as akeyboard or mouse, an output device 420 such as a cathode ray tubedisplay, a communications device 425, a data storage device 430 such asa magnetic disk, and memory 435 such as Random-Access Memory (RAM), eachcoupled to the communications channel 410. The communications interface425 may be coupled directly or via a mobile security system 345 to anetwork such as the internet. One skilled in the art will recognizethat, although the data storage device 430 and memory 435 areillustrated as different units, the data storage device 430 and memory435 can be parts of the same unit, distributed units, virtual memory,etc.

The data storage device 430 and/or memory 435 may store an operatingsystem 440 such as the Microsoft Windows XP, the IBM OS/2 operatingsystem, the MAC OS, UNIX OS, LINUX OS and/or other programs 445. It willbe appreciated that a preferred embodiment may also be implemented onplatforms and operating systems other than those mentioned. Anembodiment may be written using JAVA, C, and/or C++ language, or otherprogramming languages, possibly using object oriented programmingmethodology.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the computer system 400 mayalso include additional information, such as network connections,additional memory, additional processors, LANs, input/output lines fortransferring information across a hardware channel, the internet or anintranet, etc. One skilled in the art will also recognize that theprograms and data may be received by and stored in the system inalternative ways. For example, a computer-readable storage medium (CRSM)reader 450 such as a magnetic disk drive, hard disk drive,magneto-optical reader, CPU, etc. may be coupled to the communicationsbus 410 for reading a computer-readable storage medium (CRSM) 455 suchas a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, RAM, etc.Accordingly, the computer system 400 may receive programs and/or datavia the CRSM reader 450. Further, it will be appreciated that the term“memory” herein is intended to cover all data storage media whetherpermanent or temporary.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating details of the mobile securitysystem 345 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Mobile security system 345 includes adapters/ports/drivers 505, memory510, a processor 515, a preboot flash/ROM memory module 520 storing asecure version of the mobile security system's operating system andother applications, network connection module 525, security engines 530,security policies 535, security data 540, remote management module 550,distribution module 555, and backup module 560. Although these modulesare illustrated as within the mobile security system 345, one skilled inthe art will recognize that many of them could be located elsewhere,e.g., on the security administrator 325 or on third-party systems incommunication with the mobile security system 345. The mobile securitysystem 345 may be in a pocket-size, handheld-size or key-chain sizehousing, or possibly smaller. Further, the mobile security system 345may be incorporated within the mobile device 310.

The adapters/ports/drivers 505 include connection mechanisms (includingsoftware, e.g., drivers) for USB, Ethernet, WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA,Bluetooth, PCMCIA and/or other connection data ports on the mobilesecurity system 345. In one embodiment, the adapters/ports/drivers 505may be capable of connection to multiple devices 310 to provide networksecurity to the multiple devices 310.

Memory 510 and processor 515 execute the operating system andapplications on the mobile security system 345. In this example, thepreboot flash 520 stores the operating system and applications. At boottime, the operating system and applications are loaded from the prebootflash 520 into memory 510 for execution. Since the operating system andapplications are stored in the preboot flash 520, which cannot beaccessed during runtime by the user, the operating system andapplications in the preboot flash 520 are not corruptible. Should thecopy of the operating system and applications in memory 510 becorrupted, e.g., by malicious code, the operating system andapplications may be reloaded into the memory 510 from the preboot flash520, e.g., upon restart. Although described as stored within the prebootflash 520, the OS and applications can be securely stored within otherread-only memory devices, such as ROM, PROM, EEPROM, etc.

As shown in FIG. 5A, memory (including memory 510 and preboot flash 520)on the mobile security system 345 may be divided into the followingzones: read only memory 570; random access memory 575 for storing a copyof the OS, kernel and security applications; runtime environment 580;and database 585 for storing application data, log files, etc.

Upon each “hard” restart, the boot loader (resident in read only memory570) of the mobile security system 345 copies the kernel and securityapplications (a fresh unchanged copy) from read only memory 570 torandom access memory 575. This causes a clean version of the OS andapplications to be loaded into random access memory 575 each time. Thatway, if a special attack on mobile security system 345 is developed, theattack will be unable to infect the system, since the OS andapplications are precluded from accessing read only memory 570 duringruntime. Further, any attack that does reach memory 510 will be able torun only once and will disappear upon a hard restart. A triggeringmechanism may be available to restart the mobile security system 345automatically upon infection detection.

The network connection module 525 enables network connection, e.g., tothe internet 330 or the intranet 315 via network communicationhardware/software including WiFi, WiMAX, CDMA, GSM, GPRS, Ethernet,modem, etc. For example, if the mobile device 310 wishes to connect tothe internet 330 via a WiFi connection, the adapters/ports/drivers 505may be connected to the PCI port, USB port or PCMCIA port of the mobiledevice 310, and the network connection module 525 of the mobile securitysystem 345 may include a WiFi network interface card for connecting towireless access points. Using the network connection module 425, themobile security system 345 may communicate with the network as a securegateway for the mobile device 310. Other connection architectures aredescribed in FIGS. 10A-10C.

The security engines 530 execute security programs based on the securitypolicies 535 and on security data 540, both of which may be developed byIT managers. Security engines 530 may include firewalls, VPN, IPS/IDS,anti-virus, antispyware, malicious content filtering, multilayeredsecurity monitors, Java and bytecode monitors, etc. Each security engine530 may have dedicated security policies 535 and security data 540 toindicate which procedures, content, URLs, system calls, etc. the engines530 may or may not allow. The security engines 530, security policies535 and security data 540 may be the same as, a subset of, and/ordeveloped from the engines, policies and data on the network securitysystem 320.

To provide a higher security level provided by anti-virus andantispyware software, the security engines 530 on each mobile securitysystem 345 may implement content analysis and risk assessmentalgorithms. Operating for example at OSI Layer 7 and above (mobile codeencapsulated within Layer 7), these algorithms may be executed bydedicated High Risk Content Filtering (HRCF) that can be controlled by arules engine and rule updates. The HRCF will be based on a powerfuldetection library that can perform deep content analysis to verify realcontent types. This is because many attacks are hidden within wrong mimetypes and/or may use sophisticated tricks to present a text file type toa dangerous active script or ActiveX content type. The HRCF mayintegrate with a URL categorization security engine 530 for automaticrule adjustment based on the URL category. In one embodiment, when therisk level increases (using the described mechanism) the mobile securitysystem 345 may automatically adjust and increase filtering to removemore active content from the traffic. For example, if greater risk isdetermined, every piece of mobile code, e.g., Java script, VB script,etc. may be stripped out.

Three aspects for integration with corporate policy server legacysystems include rules, LDAP and active directory, and logging andreporting as discussed below. In one embodiment, a policy import agentrunning on the security administrator 325 will access the rule base ofCheckpoint Firewall-1 and Cisco PIX Firewalls and import them into alocal copy. A rule analysis module will process the important rules andwill offer out-of-the-box rules and policies for mobile security systems345. This proposed policy will offer all mobile security systems 345 abest fit of rules that conform the firewall policy of the enterprise340. The agent will run periodically to reflect any changes and generateupdates for mobile security system 345 policies 535. The LDAP and ActiveDirectory may be integrated with the directory service to maintainmobile security system 345 security policies 535 that respond to theenterprise's directory definitions. For example, a corporate policy forLDAP user Group “G” may automatically propagate to all mobile securitysystems 345 in “G” group. Mobile security system 345 local logs andaudit trails may be sent in accordance to a logging and reporting policyto a central log stored at the security administrator 325. Using a webinterface, IT may be able to generate reports and audit views related toall mobile device 310 users, their internet experiences, and attempts tobring infected devices back to the enterprise 340. IT will be able toforward events and log records into legacy management systems via SYSLOGand SNMP Traps.

The security engines 530 may perform weighted risk analysis. Forexample, the security engine 530 may analyze HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP3, IM,P2P, etc. including any traffic arriving from the internet 330. Thesecurity engine 530 may assign a weight and rank for every object basedon its type, complexity, richness in abilities, source of the object,etc. The security engine 530 may assign weight based on the source usinga list of known dangerous or known safe sources. The security engine 530may assign weight to objects based on the category of the source, e.g.,a gambling source, an adult content source, a news source, a reputablecompany source, a banking source, etc. The security engine 530 maycalculate the weight, and based on the result determine whether to allowor disallow access to the content, the script to run, the systemmodification to occur, etc. The security engine 530 may “learn” usercontent (by analyzing for a predetermined period of time the generalcontent that the user accesses) and accordingly may create personalcontent profiles. The personal content profile may be used to calibratethe weight assigned to content during runtime analysis to improveaccuracy and tailor weighted risk analysis for specific usercharacteristics.

In some embodiments, the security engines 530, security policies 535 andsecurity data 540 may enable bypassing the mobile security system 345.The security policy 535, set by the security administrator 325, mayinclude a special attribute to force network connection through themobile security system 325 when outside the trusted enterprise 340.Thus, if this attribute is set “on,” when a mobile device 310 attemptsto connect to the internet 330 without the mobile security system 345and not from within the trusted enterprise 340, all data transferconnections including LAN connection, USB-net, modem, Bluetooth, WiFi,etc. may be closed. The mobile device 310 may be totally isolated andunable to connect to any network, including the internet 330.

In one embodiment, to enable this, when first connecting the mobilesecurity system 345 to the mobile device 310 using for example the USBcable (for both power and USB connection creation), the USB plug & playdevice driver will be sent into the mobile device 310. The installeddriver may be “Linux.inf” which allows a USB-net connection for themobile security system 345. This connection allows the mobile securitysystem 345 to access the internet 330 via the USB port and using themobile device 310 network connection plus additional code (“theconnection client”). In a Windows example, the connection client may beinstalled at the NDIS level of the mobile device 310 above all thenetwork interface cards of every network connection as shown in FIG. 6.The implementation will be as an NDIS Intermediate (IM) Driver orNDIS-Hooking Filter Driver. Both implementations may be at the kernellevel, so that an end user cannot stop or remove it. When starting themobile device 310, the connection client may attempt to connect to thesecurity administrator 325 or the network security system 320 locallywithin the trusted enterprise 340. If the node is not found (finding viaVPN is considered as not found in local LAN), the connection client willassume it is working from outside the trusted enterprise 340 and expectsto find the mobile security system 345 connected, e.g., via USB-net orother connection mechanism. If the mobile security system 345 is notfound, the connection client may avoid any communication to any networkconnection. By a policy definition, this behavior can be modified toallow communication to the enterprise 340 via VPN installed in themobile device 310. Similarly, in case of a mobile device system 345failure, all traffic may be disabled, except for the VPN connection intothe enterprise 340.

It will be appreciated that NDIS is one possible implementation ofintercepting traffic at the kernel level. For example, in anotherembodiment, the system may hook Winsock or apply other ways that may bein future Windows versions.

In an embodiment where the mobile security system 345 supports multiplemobile devices 310, the security engines 530, security policies 535 andsecurity data 540 may be different for each mobile device 310 (e.g.,based on for example user preferences or IT decision). Alternatively, itcan apply the same engines 530, policies 535 and data 540 for allconnected devices 310.

The remote management module 550 enables communication with securityadministrator 325 (and/or other security administrators), and enableslocal updating of security engines 530, security policies 535, securitydata 540 including signatures and other applications. In one embodiment,modification to the security policies 535 and data 540 can be done bythe security administrator 325 only. The remote management module 550 ofthe mobile security system 345 may receive updates from an updateauthorities device (UAD), e.g., on the security administrator 325 via asecured connection. A UAD may operate on an update server at a customerIT center located on the internet 330 to forward updates to mobilesecurity systems 345 that possibly do not belong to an enterprise 540 incharge of managing updates. A UAD may operate on a mobile securitysystem 345. Security engine 530 updates may modify the anti-virus engineDLL, etc. OS and security application updates may be implemented onlyfrom within the enterprise 540 while connecting to the securityadministrator 325 and via an encrypted and authenticated connection.

The security administrator 325 can modify URL black and white lists forremote support to traveling users. In case of false positives, thesecurity administrator 325 may allow access to certain URLs, bybypassing the proactive heuristics security but still monitoring byfirewall, anti-virus, IPS/IDS, etc. Additional remote device-managementfeatures may enable the security administrator 325 to perform remotediagnostics, access local logs, change configuration parameters, etc. onthe mobile security system 345. The security administrator 325 maydelegate tasks to a helpdesk for support.

The remote management module 550 may communicate with a wizard (e.g.,wizard 745), which may be on the security administrator 325, asillustrated in FIG. 7, or on another system. Details of the wizard 745and details of the communication schemes between the remote managementmodule 550 and the wizard 745 are described below with reference to FIG.7.

The distribution module 555 enables distribution of updates, e.g.,security policy 535 updates including rule updates, security data 540updates including signature updates, security engine 530 updates,application/OS updates, etc. by the mobile security system 345 to Nother mobile security systems 345. A routing table identifying the Nother mobile security systems 345 to whom to forward the updates may beprovided to the distribution module 555 to enable system 345 to system345 communication. Updates may be implemented according to policies setby the security administrator 325. When forwarding updates, thedistribution module 555 acts as a UAD.

Each mobile security system 345 may obtain its routing table withsecurity information updates, periodically, at predetermined times, uponlogin, etc. The routing tables may be maintained on a server, e.g., thesecurity administrator 325 or another mobile security system 345. In oneembodiment, the mobile security systems 345 may contact the server toretrieve the routing tables. Alternatively, the server may push therouting tables to the mobile security systems 345.

The distribution module 555 may enable rapid updates as shown in FIG. 9.Currently, all commercial anti-virus products available do not updatedevices faster than viruses spread. To assure that a new virus attackdoes not spread faster than for example signature updates, each mobilesecurity system 345 may be an active UAD. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, each mobile security system 345 is responsible for forwardingthe signature updates to four other devices 345. As one skilled in theart will recognize, all devices 345 need to forward to the same numberof other devices 345. Multiple devices 345 may be responsible forforwarding to the same device 345. When necessary, offline devices 345being activated may poll the server, e.g., the security administrator325, for routing table updates. Many other updating techniques are alsopossible.

The backup module 560 may constantly backup image and changes of theboot sector and system files of the mobile device 310 into the flashmemory 520 or into another persistent memory device. That way, in caseof major failure, including a loss of the system or boot sector of themobile device 310, the mobile security system 345 may be identified as aCD-ROM during reboot and may launch the backup module (or separateprogram) to restore the boot sector and system files on the mobiledevice 310, thereby recovering the mobile device 310 without the needfor IT support. In an embodiment where the network security system 345supports multiple mobile devices 310, the backup module 560 may containseparate boot sector and system files for each of the mobile devices310, if different.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating details of a smart policyupdating system 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. System 700 includes the security administrator 325 coupled tothe network security system 320 and to the mobile security system 345.The network security system 320 includes security engines 705, includingan anti-virus engine 715, an IPS/IDS engine 720, a firewall engine 725,and other security engines. The network security system 320 alsoincludes security policies and data 710, including anti-virus policiesand data 730, IPS/IDS policies and data 735, firewall policies and data740, and other policies and data. Similarly, the mobile security system345 includes an anti-virus engine 755, an IPS/IDS engine 760, a firewallengine 765, and other engines. The mobile security system 345 alsoincludes security policies and data 535/540, including anti-virussecurity policies and data 770, IPS/IDS security policies and data 775,firewall security policies and data 780, and other security policies anddata.

The security administrator 325 includes a wizard 745 for enablingsubstantially automatic initial and possibly dynamic setup of thesecurity engines 530, security policies 535 and security data 540 on themobile security system 345. In one embodiment, the wizard 745 mayautomatically load all security engines 705 and policies and data 710 ofthe network security system 320 as the security engines 530 and policiesand data 535/540 on the mobile security system 345. In anotherembodiment, the wizard 745 may include all security engines 705 andpolicies and data 710 except those known to be irrelevant, e.g., thoserelated to billing software used by accounting, those relating to websoftware running only on the web servers, etc. In another embodiment,the engines 530 would need to be loaded by an IT manager, and would notbe loaded automatically by the wizard 745.

In one embodiment, the wizard 745 may determine whether the mobilesecurity system 345 requires a particular security engine 530, e.g., ananti-virus engine 755, IPS/IDS engine 760, firewall engine 765, etc. Ifso determined, then the wizard 745 would load the engine 530 onto themobile security system 345. The wizard 745 would then determine whichpolicies and data sets, e.g., some for anti-virus engine 755, some forthe IPS/IDS engine 760, some for the firewall engine 765, etc. areimportant to the mobile security system 345. The wizard 745 will thendetermine which of the anti-virus policies and data 730 on the networksecurity system 320 are relevant to the anti-virus policies and data 770on the mobile security system 345, which of the IPS/IDS policies anddata 735 on the network security system 320 are relevant to the IPS/IDSpolicies and data 775 on the mobile security system 345, which of thefirewall policies and data 740 on the network security system 320 arerelevant to the firewall policies and data 780 on the mobile securitysystem 345, and which of the other policies and data on the networksecurity system 320 are relevant to the policies and data on the mobilesecurity system 345. As stated above, the wizard 745 may determine thatall security engines 705 or just a subset are needed on the mobilesecurity system 345. The wizard 745 may determine that all policies anddata 710 for a given engine type or just a subset should be forwarded.The wizard 745 may determine which relevant policies and data 710 shouldbe forwarded to the mobile security system 345 based on rules developedby an IT manager, based on item-by-item selection during the setupprocedure, etc. Alternative to the wizard 745, an IT manager can setupthe engines 530 and policies and data 535/540 on the mobile securitysystem 345 without the wizard 745.

The security administrator 325 may also include an update authoritiesdevice 750. The update authorities device 750 may obtain security systemupdates (e.g., signature updates) and may send the updates to thenetwork security system 320 and to the mobile security system 345. Oneskilled in the art will recognize that the updates to the networksecurity system 320 and the updates to the mobile security system 345need not be the same. Further, the update authorities device 750 mayobtain the updates from security managers, security engine developers,anti-virus specialists, etc. The update authorities device 750 mayforward the updates to all network security systems 320 and all mobilesecurity systems 345, or may forward routing tables to all mobilesecurity systems 345 and the updates only to an initial set of mobilesecurity systems 345. The initial set of mobile security systems 345 mayforward the updates to the mobile security systems 345 identified in therouting tables in a P2P manner, similar to the process illustrated inFIG. 9. As stated above, each mobile security system 345 operating toforward updates is itself acting as an update authorities device 750.

Other applications may be included on the mobile security system 345.For example, add-on applications for recurring revenue from existingcustomers may include general email, anti-spam, direct and secured emaildelivery, information vaults, safe skype and other instant messagingservices, etc.

Email Security and Anti-spam—implementation of mail relay on mobilesecurity systems 345 (including the web security engine above) and alocal spam quarantine (based on SendMail or similar process) mayimplement a complete mail security suite (SMTP and POP3) includinganti-spam with real time indexing (via online web spam quarries). Usersmay have access to the quarantine to review spam messages, releasemessages, modify and custom spam rules, etc., via a web interface.

Direct and Secured Email Delivery based on mail relay will allow themobile security system 345 to send user email directly from one mobilesecurity system 345 to another mobile security system 345 without usingin route mail servers. This allows corporate users to send emails thatneed not travel in the internet, thus leaving trace and duplicates ondifferent unknown mail servers in route. This combined with the abilityto use a secured pipe between two mobile security systems is valuable tocorporations. Without such methodology, people could trace emailsexchange without accessing to the enterprise's mail server, by trackingdown copies in intermediate mail servers that were used to deliver themessages.

Information Vault—Application to encrypt and store end user informationon the mobile security system 345 may be available only to authorizedusers via a web interface and a web server implemented on every mobilesecurity system 345 (e.g., BOA, Apache, etc.)

Safe Skype and Other IM—implementing an instant messaging client on themobile security system 345 can guarantee that the instant messagingsystem or P2P application has no access to data on the mobile device310. Adding a chipset of AC/97 to provide a sound interface on themobile security system 325 could allow users to talk and receive callsdirectly from/to the mobile security system 325.

Although not shown, a small battery may be included with the mobilesecurity system 345. This battery may be charged by the USB connectionduring runtime or using the power adapter at any time. The battery mayguarantee proper shutdown, e.g., when user disconnects the USB cablefrom the mobile security system 345. It will be signaled by the systemwhich will launch applications and system shutdown. This will ensure aproper state of the file system and flashing open files buffers.

A multi-layered defense and detection abilities is required. This may bedone by a special code that is constantly monitoring the scanning resultby different systems (anti-virus, IDS/IPS, firewall, antispyware, URLcategory, etc.) and at different levels to build a puzzle and identifyan attack even if it's not recognized by each of the individualsubsystems. By doing this, the mobile security system 345 will maintainand in some cases even improve the security level provided within theenterprise 540.

One available benefit of the mobile security system 345 is its abilityto enforce the policy of the enterprise 540 on the end user while theyare traveling or working from home. Since the mobile security system 345uses similar security engines and policy as when connected from withinthe enterprise 540 and since the end user cannot access the internet 330without it (except via VPN connection into the enterprise 540), IT maybe capable of enforcing its security policy beyond the boundaries of theenterprise 540. The OS may be under the entire supervision of IT, whilethe mobile security system 345 OS acts as an end user OS under hiscontrol. This resolves the problems of who controls what and howsecurity and productivity face minimal compromise.

A standalone version of the mobile security system 345 may offer thesame functionality, and may provide a local management interface via webbrowser. Attractive to home users and small offices that lack an ITdepartment, the mobile security system 345 enables the end user tolaunch a browser, connect to the mobile security system 345, set thedifferent policies (update policy, security rules, etc.) includingmodifying the white and black URL lists, etc. There is also anopportunity to provide end users with a service of remote management ofthe mobile security systems 345 by subscription.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate three example architectures ofconnecting a mobile security system 345 to a mobile device 310, inaccordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In FIG.10A, the mobile device 310 is coupled to the mobile security system 345via USB connections 1015 and 1020 and is coupled to the internet 330 viaan NIC card 1005. The mobile device 310 receives internet traffic fromthe internet 330 via its NIC card 1005. A kernel-level redirector 1010(e.g., via NDIS, Winsock, etc.) on the mobile device 310 automaticallyredirects the internet traffic via the USB connections 1015 and 1020 tothe mobile security system 345, which scans, cleans and returns thecleaned internet traffic to the mobile device 310 via the USBconnections 1015 and 1020. In FIG. 10B, the mobile device 310 is coupledto the mobile security system 345 via USB connections 1025 and 1030. Themobile security system 345 includes a NIC card 1035 for receivinginternet traffic from the internet 330. The mobile security system 345scans, cleans and forwards the internet traffic via the USB connections1025 and 1030 to the mobile device 310. In FIG. 10C, the mobile device310 is coupled to the mobile security system 345 via NIC cards 1040 and1045. The mobile security system 345 receives internet traffic from theinternet 330 via its NIC card 1045. The mobile security system 345scans, cleans and forwards the internet traffic wirelessly via the NICcards 1040 and 1045 to the mobile device 310. Other connectionarchitectures are also possible.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a secure data exchange system1200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thesecure data exchange system 1200 includes a host computer (host) 1205coupled via a security device 1210 to an external device 1110. The host1205 may include a laptop, desktop, PDA, mobile phone, or otherprocessor-based device. The external device 1110 may be any externaldevice with memory such as a USB drive, external hard drive, PDA, musicplayer, cell phone, etc. The security device 1210 is communicativelycoupled to the host 1205 via an ED port 1225 (USB, serial, parallel,Firewire, Ethernet, WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, Bluetooth, PCMCIA and/orother connection) and an ED plug 1230 (USB, serial, parallel, Firewire,Ethernet, WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, Bluetooth, PCMCIA and/or otherconnection). The external device 1110 is communicatively coupled to thesecurity device 1210 via an ED port 1235 (USB, serial, parallel,Firewire, Ethernet, WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, Bluetooth, PCMCIA and/orother connection) and ED plug 1120 (USB, serial, parallel, Firewire,Ethernet, WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, Bluetooth, PCMCIA and/or otherconnection). The connector type of the ED port 1225 and ED plug 1230combination may be different that the connector type of the ED port 1235and ED plug 1120 combination. In one embodiment, all ports 1225/1235 andplugs 1230/1120 are USB. Although the plugs 1120/1230 are illustrated asmale and ports 1225/1235 are shown as female, one skilled in the artwill recognize that the opposite is possible (plugs 1120/1230 may befemale and ports 1225/1235 may be male).

The host 1205 includes ED drivers 1220 for performing enumeration andenabling communication with the security device 1210. Similarly, thesecurity device 1210 includes ED drivers 1245 for performing enumerationand enabling communication with the external device 1110.

In one embodiment, the security device 1210 includes a programmablehardware appliance capable of enforcing security policies to protectagainst malicious code such as viruses, spyware, adware, Trojan Horses,etc. and to protect against transfer of private data. In one embodiment,the security device 1210 is configured to protect both the host 1205 andthe external device 1215. In one embodiment, the security device 1210 isconfigured to protect only one of the external device 1110 or the host1205. Additional details of the security device 1210 are provided withreference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating details of the security device1210, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thesecurity device 1210 include a processor 1305, such as an Intel Pentium®microprocessor or a Motorola Power PC® microprocessor, coupled to acommunications channel 1315. The security device 1210 further includesan ED plug 1230, an ED port 1235, a communications interface 1310,storage 1320 such as an EEPROM, and memory 1325 such as Random-AccessMemory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM), each coupled to thecommunications channel 1315. The communications interface 1310 may becoupled to a network such as the internet. One skilled in the art willrecognize that, although the storage 1320 and memory 1325 areillustrated as different units, the data storage device 1320 and memory1325 can be parts of the same unit, distributed units, virtual memory,etc. The term “memory” herein is intended to cover all data storagemedia whether permanent or temporary. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the security device 1210 may include additionalcomponents, such as network connections, additional memory, additionalprocessors, LANs, input/output lines for transferring information acrossa hardware channel, the internet or an intranet, etc.

As shown, memory 1325 stores an operating system 1330 such as theMicrosoft Windows XP, the IBM OS/2 operating system, the MAC OS, UnixOS, Linux OS, etc. It will be appreciated that a preferred embodimentmay also be implemented on platforms and operating systems other thanthose mentioned. An embodiment may be written using JAVA, C, and/or C++language, or other programming languages, possibly using object orientedprogramming methodology. The memory 1325 also stores ED drivers 1245 anda security system 1335. The ED drivers 1245 may include standard driversfor standard external devices 1110 and proprietary drivers forproprietary external devices 1110. The ED drivers 1245 may betransferred onto the memory 1325 via ED plug 1230. The security system1335 includes code for enforcing security policies on data transferactions between the host 1205 and external device 1110.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating details of a security system1335, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Thesecurity system 1335 includes a security manager 1405, security engines1410, security policies 1415, and security data 1420.

In one embodiment, the security manager 1405 includes code forperforming enumeration, namely, to identify the external device 1110 orexternal device 1110 type and to identify the corresponding ED driver1245 capable of establishing communication between the security device1210 and the external device 1110. The security manager 1405 alsoincludes code to control execution of the various security engines 1410based on the security policies 1415 and security data 1420 to evaluatedata transfer requests or other device requests. Further, the securitymanager 1405 includes code to communicate with the host 1205, which willbe the source of the data transfer and/or other requests.

In one embodiment, the security engines 1410 includes code for securingthe transfer of data between the host 1205 and the external device 1110based on the security policies 1415 and security data 1420. The securityengines 1410 may include firewalls, anti-virus, antispyware, maliciouscontent filtering, multilayered security monitors, Java and bytecodemonitors, etc. The security engines 1410 may also include data privacymodules to enforce data privacy policies 1415. Each security engine 1410may have dedicated security policies 1415 and security data 1420 toindicate which procedures, URLs, system calls, content, ID, etc. thedata requested for transfer may contain or whether the data requestedfor transfer is considered nontransferable (or nontransferable withoutadditional security measure such as a password and ID).

To provide a higher security level, the security engines 1410 mayimplement content analysis and risk assessment algorithms. In oneembodiment, a security engine 1410 assigns a weight and rank for everytransfer object based on its type, complexity, richness in abilities,source, etc. The security engine 1410 may assign weight based on thesource using a list of known dangerous or known safe sources. Thesecurity engine 1410 may assign weight to objects based on the categoryof the source, e.g., a gambling source, an adult content source, a newssource, a reputable company source, a banking source, etc. The securityengine 1410 may calculate the weight, and based on the result determinewhether to allow or disallow access to the content, the script to run,the system modification to occur, etc. The security engine 1410 may“learn” user content (by analyzing for a predetermined period of timethe general content that the user accesses) and accordingly may createpersonal content profiles. The personal content profile may be used tocalibrate the weight assigned to content during runtime analysis toimprove accuracy and tailor weighted risk analysis for specific usercharacteristics.

Thus, upon receiving a data transfer and/or other request from the host1205, the security manager 1405 will launch the appropriate securityengines 1410 based on the security policies 1415. For example, thesecurity policies 1415 may be configured not to allow specific ActiveXcontrols to be loaded from the host 1205 onto the external device 1110.The security policies 1415 may be configured not to allow data transferfrom private folders on the host 1205 to the external device 1110. Thesecurity manager 1405 will launch the appropriate security engines 1410to assure that these example security policies 1415 are met. Further,the security engines 1410 may use security data 1420, which may includedefinition files of malicious ActiveX controls, locations of privatefolders, etc.

Although not shown, the security system 1335 may include additionalcomponents such as the preboot flash 520 with OS and applications, theremote management module 550, the distribution module 555, and thebackup module 560 discussed above with reference to FIG. 5. Othercomponents are also possible.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a secure data exchange system1500, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.The secure data exchange system 1500 includes a security device 1505communicatively coupled to the host 1520 via an ED plug 1515 on thesecurity device 1505 and a first ED port 1525 on the host 1520. Thesecure data exchange system 1500 also includes an external device 1110communicatively coupled to the host 1520 via the ED plug 1120 on theexternal device 1110 and a second ED port 1535 on the host 1520.

Because the external device 1110 is not directly coupled to the securitydevice 1505, the security device 1505 is not physically intercepting thedata transfer requests between the external device 1110 and the host1520. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the host 1520 includes a redirectdriver 1530, which is configured to redirect data transfer requestsbetween the external device 1110 and the host 1520 regardless of datatransfer direction. In one embodiment, the security device 1505 may beconfigured to protect only one of the external device 1110 or the host1520. Further, in one embodiment, the security device 1505 does notcontain any ED drivers, e.g., ED drivers 1245.

In one embodiment, if the security device 1505 is not coupled to thehost 1520, the host 1520 uses the ED drivers 1540 to communicate withthe external device 1110. In one embodiment, the host 1520 is configurednot to communicate with the external device 1110 until the securitydevice 1505 is coupled to the host 1520. In one embodiment, the host1520 uses the ED drivers 1540 to communicate with the external device1110 only if additional security measures are taken, such as receipt ofa password and ID, or until the security device 1505 is coupled to thehost 1520.

In one embodiment, the host 1520 may conduct enumeration of the securitydevice 1505 upon connection of the security device 1505 to the ED port1525. Upon identifying the security device 1505 or security device 1505type, the host 1520 may initiate the redirect driver 1530 to redirectall data transfer requests or other external device 1110 requests fromall other ED ports 1535 to the security device 1505. In one embodiment,the redirect driver 1530 only accepts data transfer requests from thesecurity device 1505, which presents the requests of the external device1110 as a proxy. In one embodiment, the redirect driver 1530 performsdata transfer requests received from the external device 1110 only afterthe security device 1505 has conducted its check and given itsauthorization. Other protocols are also possible.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1600 of secure dataexchange between a host and an external device, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. The method 1600 begins in step 1605with the security device 1505 being connected to the first ED port 1525of the host 1520. The external device 1110 in step 1610 is connected tothe second ED port 1535 of the host 1520. The host 1505 in step 1615performs enumeration techniques to identify the security device 1505 andthe external device 1110 and to install the appropriate drivers1530/1540 to enable communication with the security device 1505 and theexternal device 1110. The redirect driver 1530 in step 1620 receives adata transfer request from either the host 1505 to the external device1110 or from the external device 1110 to the host 1505. The redirectdriver 1530 in step 1625 redirects the data transfer request to thesecurity device 1505, which in step 1630 enforces its security policies(anti-virus, antispyware, anti-adware, data privacy, etc.) on the datatransfer request. The security device 1505 in step 1635 determineswhether the data transfer request passes the security policies. If so,then the security device 1505 in step 1640 authorizes the data transferrequest and the host 1520 in step 1645 performs the data transferrequest. If not, then the security device 1505 in step 1650 rejects thedata transfer request. Method 1600 then ends.

It will be appreciated that, in one embodiment, the security device1210/1505 may be implemented as part of the host 1205/1520, e.g., withinthe housing of the host 1205/1520 and/or as a security procedureexecuted by the host 1205/1520.

In various embodiments, a mobile security system (discussed herein) maybe coupled to a mobile device, digital device or other computer system(e.g., computer system 400). A digital device is any device with aprocessor. After a predetermined duration, the mobile device may enter apower management mode. During power management mode, the mini-computermay wake the mobile device or take control of one or more components ofthe mobile device to manage security services (e.g., perform securityfunctions). Security services may include, but are not limited to,scanning the mobile device, updating the mobile device, and/orperforming maintenance functions. Once the security services arecompleted, the mobile device and/or components of the mobile device mayreturn to power management mode.

Scanning the mobile device may comprise scanning the hard drive, memory(e.g., RAM), and/or peripherals of the mobile device for malware (e.g.,viruses, worms, Trojan horses, root kits, key loggers, spyware, andtracking cookies). Scanning the mobile device may also comprise scanningfor unauthorized data such as unauthorized programs, unauthorized data,or inappropriate content (e.g., adult media).

Security services may also comprise taking corrective action if malwareor unauthorized data is found. In one example, corrective actioncomprises reporting if malware or unauthorized data is found. In anotherexample, corrective action may comprise deleting or quarantining themalware and/or unauthorized data.

Updating the mobile device may comprise updating security applications(e.g., anti-virus application, firewall application, and anti-spywareapplication), updating an operating system (e.g., with patches),updating drivers, and/or updating other files and applications.Performing maintenance may comprise, for example, defragmenting memory(e.g., a hard drive), emptying trash, emptying a recycle bin, deletingtemporary files, and/or removing cookies.

In some embodiments, the mobile security system detects a wake event andthen may either take control of one or more components of the mobiledevice or terminate the power management mode of the mobile device inorder to perform the security services. A wake event may comprise theoccurrence of a certain time of day (e.g., 3:00 AM) or the expiration ofa predetermined period of time (e.g., two hours after the mobile deviceenters into power management mode).

The wake event may also comprise the mobile security system receivingdata. In one example, the mobile security system may receive a flag,update, and/or alarm from another digital device over a network (e.g.,security administrator—see security administrator 325 of FIG. 3). Themobile security system may then wake the mobile device and/or one ormore components of the mobile device based on the flag, update, and/oralarm. The mobile security system may then perform the securityservices.

FIG. 17 is block diagram illustrating details of a mobile securitysystem 1702 in some embodiments of the present invention. The mobilesecurity system 1702 comprises a processor 1704, a memory module 1706, astorage module 1708, a communication system 1710, and a power system1712 coupled to a bus 1714. The processor 1704 is configured to executeinstructions (e.g., programs). The mobile security system 1702 may bethe mobile security system 345 discussed with respect to FIG. 3 herein.A module may comprise hardware (e.g., circuitry and/or firmware),software, or a combination of both.

The mobile security system 1702 may reside in a digital device. Invarious embodiments, the memory module 1706, storage module 1708, andthe communication system 1710 may reside in flash memory devices,communication chips, or processors (e.g., network processors, generalpurpose processors, communication processors, or DSPs). The mobilesecurity system 1702 may comprise instructions 1718 (e.g., instructionsto manage security services) associated with a variety of programs(e.g., applications) including a firewall, network address translator(NAT), VPN client, intrusion detection and prevention system, HTTPproxy, FTP proxy, POP3 proxy, SMTP proxy, anti-virus program,anti-spyware program, anti-phishing program, anti-spam program, URL CAT,L-8 security engine, MLA security agent, DRM application, anti-leakageprogram, malicious content filter, multilayered security monitor, Javamonitor, bytecode monitor and/or data access client.

In various embodiments, the processor 1704 is configured by theinstructions 1718 to manage security services such as analyze data forthe presence of malicious code (e.g., malware). The processor 1704 maycomprise circuitry capable of processing the instructions 1718. In someembodiments, the processor 1704 is virtualized. In other embodiments,the processor 1704 comprises a CPU, DSP, FPGA, or any processing unit.

The memory module 1706 includes memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, preboot flash520, or a ram cache). The instructions 1718 may be loaded into thememory module 1706.

The storage module 1708 is any storage configured to retrieve and storedata. Some examples of the storage module 1708 are flash media, harddrives, optical drives, and/or magnetic tape. In some embodiments, themobile security system 1702 includes a memory module 1706 in the form ofRAM and a storage module 1708 in the form of flash memory. Both thememory module 1706 and the storage module 1708 comprise computerreadable media which may store instructions (e.g., instructions 1718)that are executable by a computer processor including the processor1704.

The communication system 1710 is any device that receives data over link1716. In some embodiments, the communication system 1710 is coupled to anetwork (e.g., internet 130) via the link 1716. Further, thecommunication system 1710 may also support wired and/or wirelesscommunication (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n, WiMax).

The optional power system 1712 comprises any power supply that providespower to the mobile security system 1702. In some embodiments, themobile security system 1702 is part of a thumb drive, mini-computer, orother digital device. The power system 1712 may power the thumb drive,mini-computer, or other digital device. In some embodiments, the powersystem 1712 is a capacitor, battery, or other power source.

In various embodiments, the power system 1712 receives power from adigital device (e.g., computer system 400 or mobile device describedfurther herein) that is coupled to the mobile security system 1702. Inone example, the mobile security system 1702 is part of a digital devicewith an interface (e.g., USB) that is configured to be coupled withanother digital device. Power may be received by the power system 1712via the interface from the other digital device. In some embodiments,the power system 1712 may not have the capacity to store power.Alternately, the power system 1712 may have the capacity to store powerreceived via the interface. In various embodiments, the power system1712 may receive power from the interface and provide the power to themobile security system 1702, provide the power to other components,and/or store the power.

The mobile security system 1702 as well as one or more of the componentsof the mobile security system 1702 (e.g., processor 1704, the memorymodule 1706, the storage module 1708, and the security router 1710) maybe virtualized. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe mobile security system 1702 may be a part of a larger digitaldevice. In one example, the processor 1704 used by the mobile securitysystem 1702 may be the same processor used by the digital device.

Further, the memory module 1706 may comprise all or a portion of RAMmemory within a digital device with one or more other components. In oneexample, a digital device may comprise 2 gigabytes of RAM memory. Someor all of that memory may be shared by the CPU of the digital device andthe memory module 1706. In one example, the CPU scans data, cleans data,analyzes data, or otherwise protects the digital device from malware.

Similarly, the storage module 1708 may comprise all or a portion of thestorage of the digital device. In one example, the digital device maycomprise a one terabyte hard drive. Some or all of the one terabyte harddrive may be shared with the storage module 1708. In one example, thestorage of the digital device stores instructions 1716.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile security system1702 may comprise more processors, modules, security routers, and/orother components than those depicted in FIG. 17. Further, the mobilesecurity system 1702 may comprise fewer modules than those depicted inFIG. 17. For example, multiple functions may be performed by a singlemodule.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a mobile security system 1702 in anotherembodiment of the present invention. The mobile security system 1702comprises a security engine 1800, a power module 1812, and a policydatabase 1814. The security engine 1800 comprises a wake module 1802, awake event module 1804, a scan module 1806, an update module 1808, and amaintenance module 1810.

The wake module 1802 is configured to wake a mobile device from a powermanagement mode. A power management mode is a mode wherein the mobiledevice conserves power, usually after a predetermined period ofinactivity (e.g., no input from a mouse and keyboard). During powermanagement mode, the mobile device may reduce or eliminate power to oneor more mobile device components such as a display and/or hard drive. Inone example, the mobile device may save data in RAM to the hard driveand then reduce or eliminate power to the RAM and/or hard drive while inpower management mode. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatpower management mode may be a sleep mode, hibernation mode, or anyother kind of mode wherein power is conserved. Traditionally, the mobiledevice may wake from a power management mode in response to an inputfrom the user (e.g., via keyboard or mouse) or processor activity (e.g.,data is received from a network).

The wake module 1802 may be configured to wake the mobile device frompower management mode. In some embodiments, the mobile device (describedfurther herein) is configured with a security agent that is configuredto wake the mobile device or wake components of the mobile device when awake signal from the wake module 1802 is received. In one example, thewake module 1802 sends a wake command to the security agent that isresident on the mobile device. The security agent receives the wakecommand and may wake the mobile device from the power management mode.When the mobile device is woken from the power management mode, themobile device may enter into an active state such that securityfunctions may be executed (e.g., the hard drive may be scanned, updatesinstalled, and maintenance performed).

In some embodiments, the security agent may wake only one or morecomponents of the mobile device without fully terminating the powermanagement mode. In one example, in response to the wake command, thesecurity agent may activate the hard drive in order to execute securityfunctions but not pull the mobile device from power management mode(e.g., the display may remained unpowered). In various embodiments,while the mobile device is in power management mode, the security agentmay selectively activate various components of the mobile device andperform security functions.

The wake module 1802 may also be configured to provide a powermanagement signal to the mobile device to put the mobile device back topower management mode. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that themobile device (or various components of the mobile device) may beconfigured to enter power management mode automatically withoutreceiving a power management signal from the wake module 1802. In oneexample, the mobile device may be configured to enter into powermanagement mode after a predetermined period of inactivity. In otherembodiments, the wake module 1802 may be configured to provide the powermanagement signal to the mobile device to put various components of themobile device back to power management mode.

In various embodiments, encryption may be used to confirm theauthenticity of the wake signal. In one example, an encrypted wakesignal is provided from the wake module 1802 to the security agent ofthe mobile device. The security agent may decrypt the wake signal beforewaking the mobile device or waking components of the mobile device.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that signals associated withthe security functions commanded by the mobile security system 1702 mayalso be encrypted in order to provide additional security to the mobiledevice. In some embodiments, the mobile security system 1702 may berequired to provide a user name and/or password that must be acceptedbefore the wake signal is accepted by the security agent or before thesecurity agent will allow security functions to be performed.

The wake event module 1804 is configured to detect a wake event totrigger providing a wake signal from the wake module 1802. The wakemodule 1802 may be configured to trigger the wake signal being providedfrom the wake module 1802 in response to any number of wake events. Awake event may comprise a predetermined time or a predeterminedduration. In one example, the wake event module 1804 triggers a wakesignal at a predetermined time such as 3:00 AM daily. The wake eventmodule 1804 may also be configured to trigger a wake signal at apredetermined date as well as time (e.g., 2:00 AM, the first and thirdMonday of the month). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that thewake signal may be triggered at any time and/or date. In someembodiments, a user or administrator may configure to the wake eventmodule 1804 to trigger a wake signal at a date and/or time. The user mayalso configure the wake event module 1804 to trigger a wake signal at arecurring time and/or date (e.g., every day, twice a week, or twice amonth).

The wake signal may also be triggered at a predetermined duration. Inone example, the wake event module 1804 either monitors or is notifiedwhen the mobile device enters into the power management mode. After apredetermined period of time while the power management mode is stillactive, the wake event module 1804 may trigger a wake signal. Thepredetermined period may be a number of seconds, minutes, hours, and/ordays. In some embodiments, the security agent on the mobile deviceindicates to the wake event module 1804 when the mobile device entersinto power management mode. In various embodiments, the wake eventmodule 1804 may determine that the mobile device is in power managementmode. In one example, the wake event module 1804 determines that themobile device in power management mode based on network activity (e.g.,data received from a network, data provided to the network, or lack ofdata to or from the network).

The wake event may also comprise the wake event module 1804 receivingdata such as a flag (e.g., an alarm) or file. In one example, the wakeevent module 1804 may detect a wake event when a flag or alarm isreceived. The flag or alarm may be sent from an security administrator(e.g., a security administrator 325 or the network security system 320of FIG. 3). In another example, the wake event module 1804 may detect awake event when an update is received. The update may be for a securityapplication (e.g., virus definitions for an anti-virus program,whitelist of safe network sites, a blacklist of unsafe network sites, orjunk email lists), operating system (e.g., operating system updates),and/or any application. The updates may be received from a digitaldevice on the network including, but not limited to the securityadministrator 325 of FIG. 3, the network security system 320 of FIG. 3,or any digital device on the network.

In some embodiments, the wake event module 1804 may also be configuredto trigger a power conservation mode signal to be provided to the mobiledevice. The mobile device may be configured (e.g., via the securityagent) to enter into the power conservation mode or to place one or morecomponents in the power conservation mode in response to the powerconservation mode signal. The wake event module 1804 may be configuredto trigger the power conservation mode signal based on any number ofpower conservation events, including, but not limited to the completionof one or more security services. In some embodiments, the scan module1806, the update module 1808, and/or the maintenance module 1810 may,either in combination or separately, trigger the power conservationsignal to be provided to the mobile device.

The scan module 1806 may be configured to scan the mobile device. Insome embodiments, the scan module 1806 scans all or some memory of themobile device (e.g., RAM and/or hard drive) as well as peripherals ofthe mobile device (e.g., external hard drives coupled to the mobiledevice). In one example, the scan module 1806 scans the registry, bootrecord, cookies, and applications of the mobile device for malware. Inanother example, the scan module 1806 performs a full scan of one ormore hard drives, logical volumes, and/or petitions. In someembodiments, the scan module 1806 provides a scan signal to one or moresecurity applications on the mobile device to perform the scans.

In various embodiments, the scan module 1806 scans the mobile device formalware such as, but not limited to, viruses, worms, Trojan horses,spyware, and tracking cookies. In one example, the scan module 1806triggers an anti-virus application in the mobile security system toperform the scan on the mobile device.

If malware is found, the scan module 1806 may take corrective actionsuch as delete or quarantine the malware and log the incident. In someembodiments, the scan module 1806 may issue a report on the scan, whenthe scan occurred, the type of scan, the results of the scan, and/or anycorrective action. The report may be provided to an administrator,another digital device, and/or the mobile device. The scan module 1806may also maintain a report and provide the report to an administrator,security administrator, or user (e.g., during an audit).

The scan module 1806 may also scan the mobile device for unauthorizeddata such as applications or files (e.g., media files, word processingfiles, databases, or records). In some embodiments, the scan module 1806scans for applications that the user has installed without authorizationon the mobile device. For example, the scan module 1806 may scan fortoolbars, games, file transfer applications, new browsers, and the like.

The scan module 1806 may also scan for unauthorized data, such as filesthat the user and/or mobile device are not authorized to have access(e.g., salary data or operating information regarding products in adivision that is unrelated to the mobile device or the user of themobile device). In one example, the scan module 1806 scans metadata ofthe files to determine if the user and/or the mobile device have rightsto the data. In some embodiments, the scan module 1806 may scan filenames and documents for unauthorized information. The scan module 1806may also be authorized to identify any files of a certain type asunauthorized. For example, the scan module 1806 may be configured toremove all music files and/or images.

In some embodiments, the scan module 1806 scans for unauthorized databased on information from one or more security policies stored in thepolicy database 1814 discussed further herein. The scan module 1806 mayalso be configured by an administrator, and administrator device (e.g.,security administrator 325), and/or a user. In one example, the scanmodule 1806 receives a list of authorized data that the mobile device isauthorized to access and the scan module 1806 identifies and/or removesall data not on the list. In another example, the scan module 1806receives a list of unauthorized data that the mobile device isunauthorized to access or includes general categories (e.g., filters)which instructs the scan module 1806 to identify data as unauthorizedany data that meets certain criteria. In one example, based on a filter,the scan module 1806 may scan data on the mobile device for words orphrases in file names and/or content of files to identify unauthorizedcontent (e.g., adult content). The scan module 1806 may also scan forinappropriate network sites visited by the user by scanning the historyof browsers, cookies, and/or temporary network files in cache.

If unauthorized data is found, the scan module 1806 may remove theunauthorized data (e.g., uninstall applications and/or delete files),quarantine unauthorized data, and/or generate a report regarding thefound unauthorized data and any corrective action taken.

The scan module 1806 may also scan the mobile device and/or peripheralsof the mobile device to determine if applications or files are stored onthe mobile device. If one or more applications and/or files are notstored on the mobile device, the scan module 1806 may report the statusof the mobile device or trigger applications or files to be downloadedfrom a network server and/or otherwise stored on the mobile device.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scan module 1806 maybe configured to provide a signal or report to an administrator oradministrator device to trigger the mobile device to be re-imaged over anetwork. For example, a network administrator may maintain one or moreimages (including an OS, applications and data) for digital devices suchas the mobile device that are coupled to a network. Upon a signal fromthe scan module 1806, the mobile device may be reimaged (eitherautomatically based on the signal from the scan module 1806 or manually)with one or more images associated with the mobile device therebyreplacing all or some of the stored data (including applications,operating system, and files) on the mobile device.

The update module 1808 is configured to update the mobile device. Insome embodiments, the update module 1806 updates security applicationson the mobile device (e.g., anti-virus programs, firewalls, antiphishingprograms, and white filters, black filters), an operating system (e.g.,update Microsoft Windows with available patches), drivers, and/or otherapplications. In one example, the update module 1808 may search foravailable updates for the mobile device, download the updates, andinstall the updates on the mobile device.

In some embodiments, an administrator device or another digital devicemay download selected updates that are to be available to the mobiledevice. For example, an administrator device may determine specificoperating system patches are to be available to the mobile device butothers should not be made available until testing on the patches areperformed. The administrator device may download the approved updates tothe mobile security system 1702 or, alternately, the scan module 1806may contact the administrator device to determine if approved updatesare available. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there maybe many ways to receive the updates for the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the update module 1808 provides a signal to themobile device to trigger an application on the mobile device todetermine if an update is available, download the update, and/or installthe update. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that updating themobile device may be performed by a variety of functions. For example,the update module 1808 may receive specific patches from theadministrator server to be provided to the mobile device. Further, theupdate module 1808 may send an update signal to trigger an anti-virusapplication on the mobile device to search for available updates (e.g.,virus definitions and program updates), download the updates ifavailable, and install the downloaded updates, if any. The installationof one or more updates may be performed by the mobile security system1702, the mobile device, or a combination of the two.

A maintenance module 1810 may be configured to perform maintenance onthe mobile device and/or peripherals of the mobile device. Maintenancemay include, but is not limited to, defragmenting the hard drive,deleting unneeded files (e.g., from the recycle bin, temporary files,cookies, and/or temporary files), and/or scanning a registry for errors.

In some embodiments, the maintenance module 1810 may be configured totrigger maintenance functions by the mobile device and/or peripherals ofthe mobile device. In one example, the maintenance module 1810 mayprovide a maintenance signal to the mobile device. In response to themaintenance signal, the mobile device may perform one or moremaintenance functions (e.g., defragmentation, file deletion, or registryscan). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the maintenancemodule 1810 may be configured to perform some functions on the mobiledevice and provide a maintenance signal to the mobile device so that themobile device may perform other maintenance functions.

The maintenance module 1810 may also be configured to performperformance evaluations and take corrective action based on theperformance evaluation. In one example, the maintenance module 1810 maybe configured to run one or more tests to test the performance of themobile device and/or peripherals of the mobile device. If theperformance does not meet one or more predetermined thresholds, themaintenance module 1810 may analyze the results and/or perform testingto determine if corrective action can be taken. If corrective action canbe taken automatically, the maintenance module 1810 may perform thecorrective action. In one example, the maintenance module 1810 maydetermine that test performance was sluggish, and that one cause of thepoor performance may be that there are too many files in cache. Themaintenance module 1810 may then delete files in the cache. Themaintenance module 1810 may then retest the mobile device, report theperformance and corrective action, or take no further action. Ifcorrective action may not be taken automatically, then the maintenancemodule 1810 may generate a report regarding the performance test and/orpotential corrective action that may be taken.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scan module 1806, theupdate module 1808, and the maintenance module 1810 may be configured toperform or not perform a variety of actions. In one example, a user ofthe mobile device or an administrator may configure the scan module 1806to perform a quick scan of the mobile device, configure the updatemodule 1808 to update the operating system, and configure themaintenance module 1810 to remove temporary files.

In some embodiments, a user or administrator may configure the mobilesecurity system 1702 based on a calendar where one or more scans,updates, and maintenance functions are performed on different dates,after a predetermined period of time (e.g., every two weeks), and atdifferent times. In one example, an administrator may configure themobile security system 1702 such that a complete scan of the mobiledevice and peripherals occurs weekly at 2:00 AM on Monday morning, thatdefragmentation occurs one a month at 1:00 AM Saturday morning, and thatvirus updates are downloaded every time a wake event occurs. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile security system 1702may be configured to perform any number of functions and/or trigger theperformance of any number of functions at any time.

The optional power module 1812 may be configured to power the mobilesecurity system 1702. In some embodiments, the power module 1812receives power from the mobile device (e.g., via USB or otherinterface). The power module 1812 may also be configured to power themobile security system 1702 when no power or limited power is receivedfrom the mobile device. In one example, the power module 1812 comprisesa battery and/or capacitor.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile device maypower the mobile security system 1702 via an interface even while themobile device is in a power management mode. In some embodiments,however, power to the mobile security system 1702 from the mobile devicemay be reduced or eliminated while the mobile device is in powermanagement mode. The power module 1812 may continue to power the mobilesecurity system 1702 and allow the mobile security system 1702 toperform the functions described herein.

In some embodiments, the power module 1812 monitors stored power (e.g.,of a battery). If the mobile security system 1702 does not receive powerfrom the mobile device while in power management mode, the power module1812 may wake the mobile device from the power management mode whenstored power is low, critically low, or below a predetermined threshold.Once the mobile device wakes from the power management mode, the mobiledevice may power the mobile security system 1702. The power module 1812may keep the mobile device from entering the power management mode orcontinue to wake the mobile device from the power management mode untilthe stored power of the mobile security system 1702 is above a anotherpredetermined threshold.

A policy database 1814 is any data structure configured to store one ormore security policies. A security policy, as discussed herein, mayfurther store instructions to configure the mobile security system 1702and/or the components of the mobile security system 1702. In someembodiments, the security policy may configure the mobile securitysystem 1702 to perform security functions at specified wake events whenthe mobile device is in a power management mode.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile security system1702 may comprise any number modules beyond those displayed in FIG. 18.For example, the mobile security system 1702 may comprise fewer modulesthan those displayed in FIG. 18. Alternately, the mobile device 1900 maycomprise more components or modules than those displayed in FIG. 18.

Although FIG. 18 is discussed as communicating and interfacing with amobile device, those skilled in the art will appreciate the mobilesecurity system 1702 may communicate and interface with (e.g., providewake signals and manage security services of) any digital device, notonly those devices that are mobile.

FIG. 19 is block diagram of a mobile device 1900 an embodiment of thepresent invention. In various embodiments, the mobile device 1900 is alaptop which enters into power management mode when the laptop lid isshut. The mobile security system 1702 may wake the mobile device 1900 orcomponents of the mobile device 1900 upon the occurrence of wake eventand perform security services even while the lid of the laptop remainsshut. The mobile device 1900 comprises a security agent 1902, a securitymodule 1908, a communication module 1910, and a power module 1912. Thesecurity agent 1902 comprises a mode manager 1904 and a componentmanager 1906.

The mobile device 1900 may be any digital device (e.g., a device withmemory and a processor). The mobile device 1900, for example, maycomprise a laptop, computer, server, personal digital assistant, smartphone, cell phone, media tablet, or net book.

The security agent 1902 is optional. In some embodiments, the securityagent 1902 is installed by a user or administrator to communicate withthe mobile security system 1702 and/or provide security services. Thesecurity agent 1902 may be configured to notify the mobile securitysystem 1702 when the mobile device 1900 enters into a power managementmode.

In various embodiments, the security agent 1902 comprises a mode module1904 that is configured to wake one or more components of the mobiledevice 1900 from the power management mode without waking the entiremobile device 1900. In one example, the mobile security system 1702provides a wake signal to the mode manager 1904 to wake the hard driveof the mobile device 1900. The security agent 1902 and/or the mobilesecurity system 1702 may perform security services such as scanning,updating, performing maintenance, and taking corrective action. In someembodiments, after the security services are completed, the mobilesecurity system 1702 and/or the security agent 1902 may put one or morecomponents back to the power management mode.

The security agent 1902 may also comprise a component manager 1906configured to allow the mobile security system 1702 to control orperform security services on one or more components of the mobile device1900. In some embodiments, the mobile security system 1702 conductssecurity services on one or more components of the mobile device 1900without waking the mobile device 1900 from the power management mode.When the security functions are completed, the control of the componentsmay return to the mobile device 1900. In some embodiments, the componentmanager 1906 may interrupt security functions if the mobile device 1900wakes from the power management mode. In another embodiments, thecomponent manager 1906 only interrupts security functions upon inputfrom a user (e.g., input is received from a mouse or keyboard or alaptop is opened).

The security module 1908 may comprise security applications (e.g.,anti-virus applications and firewalls) as well as security data (e.g.,anti-virus definitions, phishing filters, spam filters, and cookiefilters). In various embodiments, the mobile security system 1702 mayprovide one or more signals to trigger various scans, updates, andmaintenance functions by the security module 1908 rather than performingone or more security functions by the mobile security system 1702. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the security module 1908 mayperform some security functions based on input from the mobile securitysystem 1702 and the mobile security system 1702 may perform othersecurity functions.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the security agent1902 may be configured to perform one or more security services with orwithout a signal from the mobile security system 1702. In one example,the security agent 1902 may perform some security services (e.g., quickscan of RAM and the MBR as well as download and install new anti-virusdefinitions) upon termination of a power management mode or the wakingof one or more components. In various embodiments, the security agent1902 may be configured to perform one or more security functions withoutinput or with only limited input from the mobile security system 1702.For example, the security agent 1902 may scan the mobile device 1900 atcertain times and dates (e.g., recurring after a predetermined period oftime) and update the mobile device 1900 at other times and dates. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the security agent 1902 mayperform any number of security functions at any time.

The communication module 1910 may be configured to communicate betweenthe mobile device 1900 and the mobile security system 1702 and/or the anetwork coupled to the mobile device 1900. In various embodiments, thesecurity agent 1902 communicates with the mobile security system 1702only after communication is authenticated (e.g., via digital signatureor password). In one example, communication between the mobile securitysystem 1702 and the security agent 1902 is encrypted. The mobilesecurity system 1702 and the security agent 1920 may comprise encryptionkeys such that communication is secured and authenticated beforesecurity services are performed, the mobile device 1900 is accessed, orcontrol of one or more components of the mobile device 1900 are allowed.

The power module 1912 may control the power management mode of themobile device 1900. In various embodiments, the power management mode istriggered by inactivity of the mobile device 1900 and/or lack of inputfrom the user. In some embodiments, the power management module 1912 maytrigger a power management mode when the mobile device 1900 is closed(e.g., when a laptop cover is closed). There may be many different powermanagement modes which reduce or eliminate power to any number ofcomponents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the securityservices may be performed on one or more of the components of the mobiledevice 1900 and/or peripherals of the mobile device 1900 after themobile device 1900 enters into any power management mode. The powermodule 1912 may also be configured to provide power to the mobilesecurity system 1702 even during a power management mode.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile device 1900 maycomprise any number of components and modules beyond those displayed inFIG. 19. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that themobile device 1900 may comprise fewer components or modules than thosedisplayed in FIG. 19. Alternately, the mobile device 1900 may comprisemore components or modules than those displayed in FIG. 19.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart for performing security functions on a mobiledevice 1900 in an embodiment of the present invention. In step 2002, thewake event module 1804 detects a wake event. In one example, the wakeevent module 1804 keeps track of time and checks if the mobile device1900 is in a power management mode at specific times or intervals. Ifthe mobile device 1900 is in a power management mode at the appointedtime, a wake event is detected. In other embodiments, the security agent1902 may indicate when the mobile device 1900 has entered a powermanagement mode. The wake event module 1804 may detect a wake event ifthe mobile device 1900 has not terminated the power management modeafter a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the wakeevent module 1804 may detect a wake event when the mobile securitysystem 1702 receives an alarm or receive data from another digitaldevice.

In step 2004, the wake module 1802 may provide a wake signal to themobile device 1900. The wake module 1802 may provide the wake signalbased on the detection of the wake event. In response to the wakesignal, the mobile device 1900 may terminate the power management mode.The mobile security system 1702 may then perform security servicesand/or trigger security functions on the mobile device 1900. In otherembodiments, in response to the wake signal, the mobile device 1900 mayterminate the power management mode only for one or more components ofthe mobile device 1900 while leaving other components in the powermanagement mode thereby allowing security functions to be performed onthe components that are “awake.”

In step 2006, the scan module 1806 performs one or more scans formalware on one or more components of the mobile device 1900 and/or onone or more peripherals of the mobile device 1900. In some embodiments,the scan module 1806 may trigger scans performed locally (e.g., by thesecurity module 1908) on the mobile device 1900.

In step 2008, the scan module 1806 may execute corrective functions ifmalware is found. For example, the malware may be deleted, quarantined,overwritten, or otherwise removed. The scan module 1804 may generate areport or log information about the scan, malware, and/or any othercorrective action taken. The scan module 1806 may also provide an alertto an administrator, administrator device, and/or the mobile device1900.

In step 2010, the scan module 1806 may scan one or more components ofthe mobile device 1900 and one or more peripherals of the mobile device1900 for unauthorized data. Unauthorized data may comprise applicationsand data that the user is not authorized to have loaded, stored, and/orinstalled on the mobile device 1900.

In step 2012, the scan module 1806 performs corrective functions ifunauthorized data is found. For example, the unauthorized data may bedeleted, quarantined, overwritten, or otherwise removed. The scan module1804 may generate a report or log information about the scan, malware,and/or any other corrective action taken. The scan module 1806 may alsoprovide an alert to an administrator, administrator device, and/or themobile device 1900.

In step 2014, the update module 1808 may update various applications anddata of the mobile device 1900. In some examples, the update module 1808updates security applications, security files (e.g., anti-virusdefinitions), operating system, and driver files on the mobile device1900. In some embodiments, the update module 1808 updates securityapplications and security definitions of the mobile security system1702. The update module 1808 may update the mobile security system 1702prior to the mobile security system 1702 performing scans and/or anyother security functions on the mobile device 1900.

In step 2016, the maintenance module 1810 performs maintenance on themobile device 1900. The maintenance module 1810 may be configured toprovide a maintenance signal such that local applications on the mobiledevice 1900 perform one or more maintenance functions.

In optional step 2018, the wake module 1802 may provide a sleep signalto the mobile device 1900 to trigger a power management mode of themobile device 1900, the peripherals of the mobile device 1900, and/orany components of the mobile device 1900.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention is by way of example only, and other variations andmodifications of the above-described embodiments and methods arepossible in light of the foregoing teaching. Although the network sitesare being described as separate and distinct sites, one skilled in theart will recognize that these sites may be a part of an integral site,may each include portions of multiple sites, or may include combinationsof single and multiple sites. The various embodiments set forth hereinmay be implemented utilizing hardware, software, or any desiredcombination thereof. For that matter, any type of logic may be utilizedwhich is capable of implementing the various functionality set forthherein. Components may be implemented using a programmed general purposedigital computer, using application specific integrated circuits, orusing a network of interconnected conventional components and circuits.Connections may be wired, wireless, modem, etc. The embodimentsdescribed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Thepresent invention is limited only by the following claims.

Further, the each term “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “with,” and“containing” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional,unrecited elements or method steps.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A security system, comprising: securitysystem memory; a communication interface configured to communicate witha mobile device and configured to communicate over a network with asecurity administrator device, the mobile device including a mobiledevice processor and including a security agent configured to cooperatewith the security system, the security administrator device having asecurity administrator processor different than the mobile deviceprocessor, the mobile device being remote from the securityadministrator device, the mobile device being a first computer system,the security system being a second computer system, the securityadministrator device being a third computer system, the first computersystem, the second computer system and the third computer system beingseparate computer systems; and a security system processor beingdifferent than the mobile device processor and different than thesecurity administrator processor, the security system processor beingconfigured to: store in the security system memory at least a portion ofwake code, the wake code being configured to detect a wake event and tosend a wake signal to the mobile device in response to detecting thewake event, the security agent of the mobile device being configured toreceive the wake signal, the security agent of the mobile device beingconfigured to wake at least a portion of the mobile device from a powermanagement mode in response to receiving the wake signal, the securityagent of the mobile device being configured to perform security servicesafter the at least a portion of the mobile device has been woken; detecta particular wake event; prepare a particular wake signal in response todetecting the particular wake event; and send the particular wake signalto the mobile device in response to detecting the particular wake event,the security agent of the mobile device being configured to wake the atleast a portion of the mobile device in response to receiving theparticular wake signal and being configured to perform particularsecurity services after the at least a portion of the mobile device hasbeen woken.
 2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the communicationinterface is configured to communicate with the mobile device via awireless connection.
 3. The security system of claim 1, wherein thecommunication interface is configured to communicate with the mobiledevice via an external port.
 4. The security system of claim 1, whereinthe communication interface is configured to communicate with the mobiledevice via an internal port.
 5. The security system of claim 1, whereinthe particular wake event includes at least receiving an alert from asecurity administrator and determining that the alert is authentic. 6.The security system of claim 1, wherein the particular wake eventincludes at least detecting that a predetermined time has elapsed. 7.The security system of claim 1, wherein the wake event includes at leastdetecting a predetermined clock time.
 8. The security system of claim 1,wherein the particular wake event includes at least receiving an updatefile.
 9. The security system of claim 1, wherein the performing theparticular security services includes removing unauthorized data fromthe mobile device.
 10. The security system of claim 1, wherein theperforming the particular security services includes uninstallingapplications from the mobile device.
 11. The security system of claim 1,wherein the performing the particular security services includesre-imaging the mobile device.
 12. The security system of claim 1,wherein the performing the particular security services includes sendinglog information to the security administrator device or another securityadministrator device.
 13. The security system of claim 1, wherein theperforming the particular security services includes performing amalware scan of the mobile device.
 14. The security system of claim 1,wherein the performing the particular security services includesperforming a data security scan of the mobile device.
 15. The securitysystem of claim 1, wherein the performing the particular securityservices includes performing a malware scan or a data security scan ofone or more peripherals coupled to the mobile device.
 16. Anon-transitory computer readable medium in a security system, thenon-transitory computer readable medium storing: at least a portion ofwake code executable by a security system processor of the securitysystem, the wake code when executed by the security system processorbeing configured to detect a wake event and to send a wake signal to amobile device in response to detecting the wake event, the mobile deviceincluding a security agent and a mobile device processor, the securitysystem processor being different than the mobile device processor, thesecurity agent of the mobile device being configured to receive the wakesignal, the security agent of the mobile device being configured to wakeat least a portion of the mobile device from a power management mode inresponse to receiving the wake signal, the security agent of the mobiledevice being configured to perform security services after the at leasta portion of the mobile device has been woken, the wake code whenexecuted by the security system processor being configured to detect aparticular wake event, the wake code when executed by the securitysystem processor being configured to prepare a particular wake signal tosend to the mobile device in response to detecting the particular wakeevent, the mobile device being a first computer system, the securitysystem being a second computer system, the security administrator devicebeing a third computer system, the first computer system, the secondcomputer system and the third computer system being separate computersystems; and a communication interface when executed by the securitysystem processor configured to send the particular wake signal to themobile device, the security agent of the mobile device being configuredto receive the particular wake signal, the security agent of the mobiledevice being configured to wake at least a portion of the mobile devicefrom a power management mode in response to receiving the particularwake signal, the security agent of the mobile device being configured toperform particular security services after the at least a portion of themobile device has been woken.
 17. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the communication interface is configured tosend the particular wake signal to the mobile device via a wirelessconnection.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16,wherein the communication interface is configured to communicate withthe mobile device via an external port.
 19. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 16, wherein the communication interface isconfigured to communicate with the mobile device via an internal port.20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein theparticular wake event includes at least receiving an alert from asecurity administrator and determining that the alert is authentic. 21.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein theparticular wake event includes at least detecting that a predeterminedtime has elapsed.
 22. The non-transitory computer readable medium ofclaim 16, wherein the particular wake event includes at least detectinga predetermined clock time.
 23. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the particular wake event includes at leastreceiving an update file.
 24. The non-transitory computer readablemedium of claim 16, wherein the performing the particular securityservices includes removing unauthorized data from the mobile device. 25.The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein theperforming the particular security services includes uninstallingapplications from the mobile device.
 26. The non-transitory computerreadable medium of claim 16, wherein the performing the particularsecurity services includes re-imaging the mobile device.
 27. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein theperforming the particular security services includes sending loginformation to a security administrator device.
 28. The non-transitorycomputer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the performing theparticular security services includes performing a malware scan of themobile device.
 29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim16, wherein the performing the particular security services includesperforming a data security scan of the mobile device.
 30. Thenon-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein theperforming the particular security services includes performing amalware scan or a data security scan of one or more peripherals coupledto the mobile device.